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Blog Tour for- A Perfect Devon Christmas

A Perfect Devon Christmas

Two old friends. One snowy village. A Christmas they’ll never forget.

Ivy thought she had Christmas all wrapped up: a peaceful December in her cosy Devon cottage, just her bouncy rescue pup and kind-hearted neighbour Fred for company.

But when a stranger appears on her doorstep asking for shelter, Ivy makes a split-second decision that turns her plans upside down – and sets the whole village of Brambleton buzzing. Who is he? What is he running from? Why does Ivy feel such a powerful urge to help him?

As the snow begins to fall, and secrets start to thaw, Ivy and Fred team up to help their newfound neighbour. Soon Ivy realises that the magic of Christmas has sparked more than just opening her door to a stranger – it has given her the courage to open her heart to love.

Join Ivy in this feel-good festive escape about community, kindness, and discovering that it’s never too late to get your happy ending.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is part of the Brambleton series, and I’ve just discovered it with this book. I’ll soon need to rectify that with a read of the others.
A very heartwarming and emotional book, as some do tend to be in tender holiday reads.
Ivy hasn’t had things quite working out the way she thought she would in life and she’s satisfied now with her energetic pup and neighbor Fred for company. Safe, reliable no surprises. It’s nice to know what you can count on.
But finding a stranger hiding on her property that she knows nothing about is far from humdrum and the usual.
The more we get to know this person Ivy’s compassionate nature is obvious and the more I rooted for this person though there was a bit of sadness attached to this person as well.
Lots of characters and personalities including the town’s busybodies who I just laughed at as we all know someone like this.
I enjoyed how the story wrapped up and now that I’ve discovered this author I need to read more of her books and visit Brambleton again soon.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ5T94CW

MEET THE AUTHOR

Author Bio –

Hi! I’m Debbie. Once upon a time, I was a perfectly respectable London professional – a chartered accountant with a law degree, a Blackberry (remember those?), and too many sensible shoes. Then common sense prevailed, romance called, and I swapped London’s Zone One for Devon’s Zero Signal.

I still wonder if leaving the City was brave or simply plot research taken to a reckless extreme.

Currently my “head office” is a polytunnel: no Wi-Fi, but plenty of fresh air and flourishing tomatoes. The plants photosynthesise while I draft havoc; technically off-grid, creatively on fire.

Meanwhile, the dogs run the editorial obstruction department. They possess zero publishing experience yet veto scenes with a single raised paw. Oh, and their union insists on edible compensation only.

These days, I know the real price of life’s essentials: a good haircut, a great friend, and the joy of a proper night’s sleep. I write love stories for grown-ups – warm, witty, stuffed with second chances and the kind of relationships where affection and exasperation create irresistible chemistry – for better for worse

Think of my indie “publishing house” as one woman, no award-strewn empire, no two-legged staff – just me, two obstinate dogs, and a biscuit budget.

I’ve tried not writing. It didn’t go very well. So I need readers. Not many, just the excellent sort who laugh in the right places. I hope you’ll be one of them.

Social Media Links –

> Website – www.debbiemorrison.co.uk

> facebook – Debbie-Morrison-Author

> instagram.com @debbiemorrisonauthor

Thank you for stopping in.

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The Amish Ballerina 

320 pages Publisher Barbour Fiction Publication date October 1, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish Woman Hides a Secret Passion

Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?

MY THOUGHTS

The Amish Ballerina sounded like a very unique and interesting story. I know Englisher interests such as ballet dancing is forbidden to the Amish so I was interested in seeing how this would be pulled off.
Arie has been interested in ballet for years as her Englisher friend Lorina has been a ballet dancer for years and is teaching her.
This is a huge secret she is not only keeping from her family but her boyfriend as well.
The writing style is different that Wanda’s. I’ve read all of Wanda’s over the years and have loved them all. This is not her writing. It’s slow, stilted and very formal sounding.
There is not a warmth in these Amish families, they almost act as casual acquaintances towards each other, but a closeness and homey feeling is not to be found.
There are unreasonable expectations put on Arie by her mother, she is at times talked to as a young child, but the mother’s responsibilities are unreasonably put on her.
There were a lot of secrets and dishonestly in the book. Some understanding did come through. She has a big decision to make; will her heart lead her to give up her worldly ways or will Arie be drawn to the Englisher world and all it has to offer?
This book was not a favorite of mine, but I have enjoyed all of her other books.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Thank you for stopping in. Have a lovely day.

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Once Upon a Christmas Carol: (A Sweet Christian Fiction Holiday Story with Themes of A Christmas Carol set in Michigan)

176 pages Revell Publisher Publication Date September 2,2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas–by herself–bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas–one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

MY THOUGHTS

Once again, the author writes a lovely Christmas story that tugs on your heartstrings.
Carol Langstrom strongly dislikes Christmas. With a Christmas birthday and way too many disappointing holidays as a child Christmas is something she’d rather avoid at all costs.
A tropical vacation is what she’s planned this year, sun, warmth and relaxation. Others can have Christmas she’ll leave those memories behind though.
Bad weather has other plans for her though as she’s stranded on an aunt’s Michigan farm that she hadn’t ever met. A beautiful example of how changed plans aren’t always a bad thing. Found family, feel good story, unexpected romance and holiday spirit.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas on Fifth Avenue- Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas on Fifth Avenue

Welcome to New York, where the Christmas lights dazzle, the snow is falling and love is just around the corner…

Evie Green’s Christmas dream turns into a nightmare when a viral video makes her the laughing stock of the internet. But then a 5 star hotel sees a PR opportunity and invites her to New York for a Christmas she’ll remember forever.

Enter Noah Sanderson, a disgraced soccer star seeking anonymity. Forced to fake a festive romance for the cameras, sparks fly – but not the twinkling Christmas kind!

As Fifth Avenue sparkles in all its holiday glory, can The City that Never Sleeps show these two frosted hearts that, maybe, the best love stories are the ones you never see coming.

Don’t miss this cozy Christmas spin off series from the million-copy-bestselling author of the Romantic Escapes series! Each book can be read as a standalone.

Guaranteed:

Forced proximity

Grumpy sunshine

Happy ever after

Cozy comfort read

New York Christmas magic – think red velvet bows, chunky tartan-knit scarves, giant red baubles, the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree, Macy’s, The Nutcracker and more!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Christmas-Romance-Julie-Caplin-ebook/dp/B0DJ6HS9NJ/

MY THOUGHTS

After reading several books by the author I knew I’d want to read this book, the most current before this, A Little Place in Prague. I loved that one as I did this one.
This is the first book in a new series, Christmas Escapes #1.
This is such a fun romantic holiday book. Perfectly imperfect couple that have things to work out on their own and together.
The descriptions of The Plaza were warm, festive and brimming with holiday cheer. Now I want to experience a New York Christmas.
A cozy Christmas read that’ll have you cheering for the couple as this one’s perfect for the holidays.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin is an internationally bestselling author with over 2 million sales over twenty five books including the highly successful Romantic Escape series which has been translated into over 24 languages. Her books have topped the charts in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

After reading English at university, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases and swanned around Europe taking journalists on gastronomic press trips. These visits inspired the locations of many of her books. She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

As an avid romance fan, she’s written in several genres including historical romantic fiction, contemporary women’s romance fiction and romantic comedy. October will see the publication of her twenty eight book, Christmas on Fifth Avenue.

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

Happy Terrific Tuesday! Thanks for stopping in!

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The Christmas Tree Farm

five-star rating icon (2)

176 pages Publisher Revell Publication date September 3, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family’s Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie’s unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison’s heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there’s only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work–and some help from an unlikely ally–to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

MY THOUGHTS

Every year I look forward to the author’s Christmas books, and I always love them as they are such feel-good reads. Unfortunately, this was one didn’t do it for me.
The sisters are not close and fight constantly with little regard to what the other thinks.
Also, the younger sister is a vegetarian, the older sister didn’t know this but rolls her eyes when she finds this out as she’s making a meat sauce spaghetti.
The vegetarian younger sister brings a bbq meat lunch for them when she goes out to grab lunch for them. She also argues with the mother about the best way to cook a turkey then the whole family gets sick on an undercooked Thanksgiving turkey. There are other instances as well.
The author chose to have a vegetarian character but then didn’t follow through with it as if the character wasn’t actually that way.
This is a second chance romance but it all just happened too fast this second time around.
Hopefully the next book I read by the author will be better.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Thank you for stopping in. Have a lovely day.

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Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge: (The Maple Tree Lodge Hotel Book 1)

312 pages Publication date June 30, 2025 Boldwood Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

A family and hotel in desperate need of help…

Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads.

With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the complete opposite to what Ben has in mind for a minimalistic, modern makeover and fireworks ensue!

Can they work together to save Maple Tree Lodge?
Can Lily help Ben and his family find a future together?
And can Ben show Lily that there’s more to life than work?

As autumn at Maple Tree Lodge begins to weave its magic spell, perhaps Lily will discover somewhere to finally call home and a reason to stay …

MY THOUGHTS

Maple Tree Lodge is in beautiful Cotswold’s, if only there were customers to enjoy its scenic view. Having been in the Jackson family for over a century Ben gets a real eyeopener when his father, main caretaker passes away. Realizing the hotel has fallen into drastic financial decline and the hotel needs a renovation as well.
Lily Watson. is an up-and-coming interior designer and best friends with Hannah, Ben’s sister. Sure she’s about to get her big break in the business she’s let go right as that’s about to happen.
As a favor to Hannah, she agrees to do the interior designing renovations on the hotel to modernize things.
Lily and Ben clash on everything from the new design plans to the paint colors; how will this work get done if they can’t even discuss anything civilly?
When she goes to the boathouse to cool off after one of their arguments, not knowing she’s in there he steps in as well.
After this, thing start to change for them.
I loved how at home Lily felt with the Jackson family.
Such a feelgood book. The characters were fun and likable, and the Autumn scenery description sounded magical.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Alison Sherlock writes feelgood and uplifting romantic fiction. Her most recent books are all based around the beautiful English Cotswolds.

Her debut novel The Desperate Bride’s Diet Club reached No 1 in the Italian book charts.

With multiple Top 100 Bestsellers in the UK Kindle charts, her completed series are Willow Tree Hall, Riverside Lane and Railway Lane. Every title within a series can be enjoyed as a standalone romance but each story is full of warmth, laughter, love, family and friendships.

Alison’s latest series Maple Tree Lodge Hotel is focussed on all those who live and work at Maple Tree Lodge, a rundown hotel by a lake in the Cotswolds.

The first book, Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge, was released in June 2025 in all formats and is currently available in Prime Reading. Interior designer Lily has a vision for a cosy country hotel makeover which is the complete opposite to the minimalistic, modern style that owner Ben has in mind. Fireworks ensue in this enemies to lovers story!

The second book, Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe, will out in early 2026 and is available to pre-order now. Hannah tries to overcome her lack of confidence when she opens her own cafe at Maple Tree Lodge. Alex is at a crossroads after an accident scuppers his athletic career and is hoping to find himself a new path when he stays at his best friend’s hotel. Perhaps he can also finally admit to Hannah how he really feels about her…? It will be a magical summer by the lake in this friends to lovers story!

You can follow Alison on Facebook and X.

Have a wonderful day!

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Blog Tour for The Spiced Cocoa Café by Harper Graham

THE SPICED COCOA CAFÉ BY HARPER GRAHAM

About the book

‘Tis the season when sparks fly…

🎄🎁🍫☃️

A new girl in town who lives for Christmas and has everything to prove. A local rival with tousled dark hair and a smirk that spells trouble. Who will win the holiday showdown of the year? Find out in this totally addictive small-town romance! Gilmore Girls + spice = 🔥

Cassidy is finally opening her dream chocolate shop, inspired by her dear Grandma who made the best cocoa. Now all she wants for Christmas is to win best decorated store and show she belongs in the small-town of Maple Falls. But she’ll have to pull out all the stops to beat the handsome, loveable grinch across the street…

Liam hates the holidays—they remind him of past heartbreak. But to support his family’s llama sanctuary, he’s determined to deck out his farm shop in holiday cheer and win that prize. Then he sees her—chocolate-smeared cheeks, wide blue eyes and the warmest smile. He’s up against the cutest, most Christmas-obsessed person ever…

Their rivalry heats up as the town divides between Team Cassidy and Team Liam. But with the snowflakes falling and their stores looking all merry and bright, will the magic of the season bring them together?

Snuggle up under your blanket with a mug of cocoa and get ready for the hottest ever holiday romance. Lots of steam and a sprinkle of mystery wrapped up in cozy Christmas vibes! Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, Love Actually and The Holiday.

Tropes:

Spicy

Grumpy sunshine

Second chance romance

Small-town vs. city life

Found family

MY THOUGHTS

Liam is a Maple Falls local. He’s never had anything against Christmas it’s an okay holiday, no big deal but as of a few years ago he absolutely cringes when he hears the word Christmas. He’s a total Christmas grinch and can totally do without it. And this is all because of a terrible Christmas tragedy that happened that has him ready to completely hide away during the Christmas holiday.
Cassidy, new girl in town has a personality like a ray of sunshine on the snowiest day that melt all your troubles away.
She’s opened up a sweets shop offering her grandma’s famous cocoa recipe and the townsfolks love it and her bubbly personality.
Despite her loving the Christmas season and going all out and Liam wanting nothing to do with it he’s drawn to Cassidy.
The Christmas war is on with Cassidy and Liam each setting up what they hope is the Christmas lights and decorative display winning store front on each of their shops. The winning decorated shop will win a cash prize donated to the charity of their choice.
I loved the realistic banter between each of our main characters. The characters realistically showed vulnerability though to some who may not have known them they seemed to have it all.
Full of many Christmas vibes including holiday baking, snow, decorating and all-around fun this is a new to me author who has now caught my attention and I will be on the lookout for more books to read by them. Fun with a warm cozy feel to it this book was perfect for me!

I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Harper Graham lives with her mischievous spaniel in a cozy small town in Connecticut. Her quirky neighbours may or may not have inspired the residents of her Maple Falls series. When she’s not hiking with her daughter, baking her grandmother’s recipes or reading in her favourite coffee shop, Harper can be found writing the sweet and spicy romance stories of her own dreams.

Mailing List: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/harper-graham

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarperGrahamAuthor/

Twitter: https://x.com/HarperGraham_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harpergrahambooks

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harpergrahambooks

Thank you for stopping in.

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Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne

320 pages Publisher Canary Street Press Publication date October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So, they make a deal: he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.

MY THOUGHTS

A very get you in the Christmassy mood kind of fun romantic book.
I loved all the characters right away, especially the young daughter. What can I say, young children always make a family story so much better in my opinion.
Tough as nails, Ryan Caldwell, a Navy pilot man isn’t sure how he’s been roped into babysitting his niece this holiday season while her mom is in rehab but somehow, he has and while in town he wants to make the holiday season special for her.
She’s just doing her job right? Holly Goodwin Moore is a florist and preparing the flowers for her ex’s wedding, no problem. She can handle it right, especially when they already have a baby on the way.
When Ryan and Holly meet, Ryan finally feels as if he’s come home and this fake dating thing is starting to feel a little too real when real emotions and stolen kisses turn into the real thing.
Lots of holiday cheer in this upbeat read that’ll have you want to start holiday decorating and baking.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

1 Publishers Weekly, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including seven RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews magazine. RaeAnne loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at http://www.raeannethayne.com.

Have a lovely weekend. Thank you for stopping in.

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In the Blink of a Pie (Maple Syrup Mysteries, 3)

320 pages Publisher Poisoned Pen Press Publication date October 22, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns is back with the third installment in the “delightfully sweet” Maple Syrup Mysteries, transporting readers back to the cozy town of Sugar Ridge, Vermont, where things are bound to go from sweet, to sour.

Sometimes, there’s no one you can crust…

It’s Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can’t wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats.

But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it’s not just Leila’s perfect day that’s in jeopardy―her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying truth: the killer wasn’t targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home! 

Can Leila figure out who’s behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?

Includes delicious holiday pie recipes!

MY THOUGHTS

In the Blink of a Pie is the third book in the Maple Syrup Mysteries series and I’ve read and loved them all.


A Fall themed cozy mystery has Leila Khoury returning to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, as the manager helping her mother run Sappy Endings Farm after the passing of her father selling maple syrup/sugar. along with her mother running the gift shop and cafe it’s become a pretty popular place for locals and tourists alike to stop in.


A Thanksgiving pie baking contest with them being dropped off at the farm to be judged will just add to the farm’s busy season but they’re ready for it. Business is so brisk that Leila hires a local woman to help her mother in the cafe, and she already has experience running a bagel shop, so she fits in nicely and is such a big help.


The day of the pie judging is here, and the town’s folks are all aflutter with excitement but when someone drops dead from the tasting of the pies to be judged the business drops like a rock at the farm and cafe.


While this is a cozy mystery to solve, I enjoyed that its main focus wasn’t just on this. There are other side stories and developments, a romance developing for Leila, her relationship with her boyfriend’s daughter, mother daughter strengthening relationships after it has been strained for a while.

Best friend relationships and clues that are well paced as we figure out who the suspects are and why they may have done it.
The pacing was even and on track and I really enjoyed the book a lot. I hope to see more in the series soon.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Website

https://www.catherinebruns.net

Twitter

Genre

Mystery

Catherine is the USA Today bestselling author of the Cookies & Chance mysteries. She lives in Upstate New York with her very patient husband, three sons and several spoiled pets. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Performing Arts and is a former newspaper reporter and press release writer. Catherine also writes the Italian Chef, Maple Syrup, and Cindy York mysteries. Her book, For Sale by Killer, won the Daphne du Maurier award for Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.

Happy weekend. Thank you for stopping in!

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Fatal Fudge Swirl: An Ice Cream Shop Mystery

320 pages Publisher St. Martin’s Paperbacks Publication date June 27, 2023

ABOUT THE BOOK

A movie production brings drama―and murder―to a close-knit New England village, forcing Riley Rhodes to scoop out the suspects.

Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn’s kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.

But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?

MY THOUGHTS

Though this is the third book in the series it’s my first read of this series.
It is an intriguing book loaded with Halloween and spooky themes and let’s not forget ice cream.


The town of Penniman, Connecticut is all alight this Halloween weekend as former child star Cooper Collins is in charge of the filming happening on the town green. To top it off his bossy mother getting married is the talk of the town with a lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her husband to has worked in the inns kitchen for years aided by his former wife.


When the bride to be requests a spooky wedding cake and then is found dead all eyes turn to the former wife but is she the responsible one?
What a clever way the murder was carried out I’ve never seen this ingenious way written about in a mystery before.


Loved the twists and turns and now I’m hungry for ice cream.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Books? Travel? Ice Cream? Yes, please! Former librarian Meri Allen loves exploring the back roads – and ice cream shops – of her native New England. She also writes the award-winning Lobster Shack Mystery series as Shari Randall. Check out her travels, recipes, book giveaways and fun in her quarterly newsletter, The Scoop. Sign up on https://www.meriallenbooks.com. Happy reading!

Happy Thursday! Thank you for stopping in.